EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN SERVICES FAQ FOR MEDIA

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QUESTION

ANSWER

RESOURCES

If I have an Exceptional Children's question or Individualized Education Program (IEP) question at a charter school, who should I contact?

All Exceptional Children's (EC) questions should be answered by the Exceptional Children's Program personnel at the school and North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Exceptional Children's Services.

Yes. Since charter schools are public schools, they must provide special education and related services to all eligible students. Charter schools must provide all special education supports identified through the Individual Education PlanÂ (IEP) process to students with disabilities determined eligible for EC services (including adapted PE and transportation).

Are charter schools required to follow my child's IEP from the previous school?

When a child enrolls in a charter school with an IEP from a previous school, the charter school must follow that IEP until the charter school's IEP team meets to review and revise the IEP or develop a new IEP.

Can a charter school only offer special education services after the school day has concluded?

No, except in rare circumstances where exceptional student needs, as stated in the IEP, require otherwise. Special education must be delivered within the typical hours of the school day and school calendar. Special education is part of the student's educational program-not an add-on such as tutoring, homework club, etc.

Should I expect that the special education program at my school to be fully funded by the state and federal dollars earmarked for special education?

According to the Charter School Authorizer Rubrics for Assessing Special Education, federal and state special education reimbursements will not cover 100 percent of the cost of providing special education and related services, and the proposed budget should reflect awareness of this reality (i.e., allocation of funds from general budget to support special education).